Karnataka: Government defends two-stanza Vande Mataram order in High Court
- On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard a petition by Carnatic musician T M Krishna challenging the Centre's 2026 mandate requiring six stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions.
- Krishna's petition contends that the 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act is arbitrary, arguing mandating all six stanzas—which invoke Hindu deities—violates India's secular character.
- While the Supreme Court will examine penal consequences under Articles 25 and 26, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath argued the Union government holds exclusive authority to determine the official version.
- The top court directed the Centre to provide a response within two weeks and indicated it must scrutinize whether failing to sing the full version can legally attract criminal punishment.
- Tensions surrounding the rendition persist beyond the courtroom; on Monday, Karnataka Assembly legislators protested state restrictions by singing all six stanzas instead of the mandated two.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Supreme Court affirms that national song mandates cannot infringe on religious freedoms
The court sought a response from the Union government on a petition filed by renowned Carnatic vocalist and author T.M. Krishna challenging the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026
Vande Mataram Row: Karnataka Governor Urges Reconsideration of Two-Stanza Order
A political showdown continues in the Karnataka Assembly over the rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram. The ruling Congress government maintains that only the first two stanzas should be sung to uphold secular values and historical practice, while the BJP insists on singing all eleven stanzas. Amid this impasse, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has written to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, advising the state government to reconside…
Solicitor General's 'Naxal' Jibe Fuels Tense Exchange Over Vande Mataram In Top Court
"Law-making should not be [as per] Naxalites," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked after S Muralidhar, appearing for singer TM Krishna, argued against penal provisions over not singing Vande Mataram
Supreme Court signals no prosecution for conscientious refusal to sing Vande Mataram
India's Supreme Court has indicated that people who choose not to sing some or all of the verses of Vande Mataram, India's National Song, should not face criminal prosecution if their refusal is based on a genuine matter of conscience. The observation came from a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. The court is hearing a petition filed by Carnatic vocalist T. M. Krishn…
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaKarnataka: Government defends two-stanza Vande Mataram order in High Court
The Karnataka government defended its decision to restrict Vande Mataram to two stanzas at state events before the High Court, arguing that singing the national song is optional, unlike the national anthem. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty noted that MHA guidelines are non-binding and cited historical precedence since 1932. The petitioner argued the state lacks authority to alter the song, citing 2026 legal protections. The court deferred th…
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